Are you tired of bulky PCs that take up half your desk and sound like a jet engine when you hit the power button? If so, you might want to check out the Framework Desktop. This small form factor PC has taken the tech world by storm in 2025, and honestly, it’s hard not to fall in love with it.
Framework has built a reputation for revolutionizing the laptop game by making devices that are modular, upgradable, and repairable. So, when they announced their first desktop, many were eager to see how they would apply their mantra to a different type of machine. The result? A compact desktop that’s surprisingly less modular than you’d expect, but still manages to impress.
The Framework Desktop is about the size of a couple of hardcover novels stacked together. Its black-and-silver case is sleek and stylish, and it fits all the essential components: a mini-ITX motherboard, a cooler, and a power supply, along with two modular front ports and a fun array of 21 customizable plastic tiles on the front panel. And let’s not forget about its AMD Strix Halo APU, which packs quite a punch, making it capable of respectable gaming frame rates at 2.5K resolution, even in its base configuration.
Now, you might wonder if you can get a more powerful small form factor desktop out there. Sure, but none quite match the unique charm of the Framework Desktop. It’s a compact computer that’s good enough for serious gaming or content creation, and it comes devoid of annoying bloatware. Plus, assembling it is a breeze—you don’t even have to apply thermal paste!
The base configuration starts at $1,099, featuring the Ryzen AI Max 385 chip with 8 CPU cores and 32 graphics cores, paired with 32GB of shared RAM. If you’re looking for something more powerful, the Max Plus 395 model offers 16 CPU cores and 40 graphics cores, with options for 64GB or 128GB of RAM for $1,599 and $1,999, respectively. Each purchase includes the mainboard with a preinstalled cooler, Wi-Fi module, and a 400W FlexATX power supply.
Want to customize it further? You can easily add a power cord, a Cooler Master CPU fan, front expansion cards, a Windows license, and a 512GB SSD for around $287 more. And if you’re already equipped with some components, you can skip the extras and source your own.
During my testing, I received a review unit priced around $1,600, equipped with the Ryzen AI Max 385 mainboard, two 1TB SSDs, a base fan, and a variety of expansion cards. It was a joy to assemble, and even without a step-by-step guide, I managed to switch from the 385 to the 395 mainboard in under an hour. That’s how user-friendly this desktop is!
But let’s talk performance. The Framework Desktop’s graphics capabilities are impressive. I tested both the 385 and 395 chips, and they beat out many gaming laptops on the market. For instance, in benchmarks like Black Myth: Wukong and Cyberpunk 2077, the 395 chip was about 16% faster on average in gaming benchmarks compared to the 385. You can expect solid frame rates at 2.5K resolution, making it a great option for indie games or live service titles like Fortnite.
What about creative tasks? The Framework Desktop excels here too. Both the 385 and 395 configurations outperformed the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 in our Premiere Pro 4K video export tests, making it a competent mini workstation for creative apps. Whether you’re editing videos or working with high-resolution images, this desktop can handle it all without breaking a sweat.
Now, it’s important to note that the Framework Desktop is less modular than other desktops on the market. While it uses a standard mini-ITX motherboard, the mobile APU with integrated memory means you can’t upgrade the chip or RAM without replacing the entire board. If you’re a hardcore gamer looking for upgrade potential, you might want to explore traditional mini-ITX setups instead.
However, what you trade for modularity, you gain in simplicity. The Framework Desktop is dead easy to build and maintain, making it a fantastic option for those who want a no-fuss setup. Plus, you’re getting a fun little machine that delivers solid performance without the noise and heat of larger setups.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a compact PC that can handle gaming and productivity without the bulk, the Framework Desktop is worth considering. It’s not going to dethrone the big boys in terms of raw power, but it offers a unique alternative for anyone looking for a small PC that’s easy to build and maintain. You might just find that it’s all the power you really need—without the headaches of a full-size desktop.
